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Give her a hug

Dear Editor:

This is the time of year when my thoughts turn to those I hold near and dear: family and friends. This note is about one such person.

Many – I will wager hundreds of us in this valley, from Aspen to Rifle – are indebted to this woman. For years she shared her expertise in the needle arts with us. From sewing to knitting to quilting to needlepoint to crochet, Emmy Neil was our needle-arts encyclopedia. She was always there – for some through Colorado Mountain College, for others 4-H – to lend a helping hand, to teach us that “ripping builds character,” to help us navigate the murky waters of “the pattern.” Emmy was a jovial, caring friend with a wealth of knowledge to share – a saint!



Emmy now spends most of every day sitting alone at Heritage Park Care Center. The Coal Seam Fire robbed her of her home, her life’s possessions and, in the end, her identity.

Please, if you find yourself in Carbondale, stop by Heritage Park and give Emmy a hug. Visit with her for a few minutes. She may open her eyes and smile and speak a sentence or two. Most importantly, she will know that you are there and that you care. Thank you all.




Jenny Tempest

Carbondale